. >> pope benedict is resigning. tonight we're still trying to get our minds around just what this all means for the catholic church and the world stage upon which the pope wields such vast influence. for the last six centuries, the catholic church chose a new pope as it also mourned the death of an old one. not this time. pope benedict issued his stunning retirement notice, saying in part i have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. >> in centuries past, popes didn't live to this age. they died in their jobs. now the medicine has the ability to keep people going physically a lot longer than they may have the strength to do what is the most gruel jobs in the world. >> usa today reporter says with the pope stepping down at the end of the month, the college of cardinals is already lining up possible successors. according to retired american catholic the church will be looking for a new pope with perhaps the combination of the qualities it liked in the last two. >> i think th